Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » gimbal

gimbal

(gim′bəl, jim′-)

noun

a device consisting of a pivoted ring or rings capable of swinging freely while mounted to a fixed frame, used as to hold a ship's gyroscope level despite any pitch, roll, or yaw

often gimbal ring

Origin: altered < ME gemelles, twins < L gemellus, dim. of geminus, twin

transitive verb gimbaled or gimballed, gimbaling or gimballing

to attach to or mount on a gimbal

See gimbal in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A device consisting of two rings mounted on axes at right angles to each other so that an object, such as a ship's compass, will remain suspended in a horizontal plane between them regardless of any motion of its support. Often used in the plural. Also called gimbal ring.

transitive verb gim·baled or gim·balled, gim·bal·ing or gim·bal·ling, gim·bals

To supply with or support on gimbals.

Origin:

Origin: Alteration of obsolete gemel, double ring; see gimmal

(click for a larger image)